Geza Town of Shangri-La City, Diqing

Geographic Location

Gezha Township (格咱乡) is located in the northern part of Shangri-La City (香格里拉市), Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (迪庆藏族自治州), Yunnan Province. It lies between 27°53′~28°37′ north latitude and 99°29′~100°11′ east longitude. The township seat, Wengshang Village Lazazhong (翁上村拉咱仲), sits at an altitude of 3,010 meters and is approximately 59 kilometers from Shangri-La County.

Ethnic Groups, Traditional Crafts, Customs, and Festivals

Ethnic Groups

Gezha Township is predominantly inhabited by the Tibetan ethnic group, which accounts for 99.21% of the total population.

Traditional Crafts

  • Tibetan Clothing Making: Tibetan garments are known for their exquisite craftsmanship, vibrant colors, and intricate patterns, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Tibetan people.

  • Tibetan Architectural Techniques: This craftsmanship is evident in local temples and traditional houses, such as Songzanlin Monastery (松赞林寺). The architectural style blends Tibetan and Han Chinese elements, showcasing unique and artistic designs.

  • Tibetan Thangka Painting: Thangka is a traditional Tibetan art form characterized by vivid colors and fluid lines, often depicting Buddhist themes.

Customs

  • Hospitality: Tibetans are warm and welcoming. Guests are often greeted with a traditional silk scarf called a “khata” as a sign of respect and goodwill.

  • Dietary Habits: The local diet mainly consists of tsampa (roasted barley flour), butter tea, and qingke wine (barley wine).

  • Religious Practices: Most Tibetans in the area follow Tibetan Buddhism, and their daily lives are deeply intertwined with religious customs, such as spinning prayer wheels and making pilgrimages to temples.

Festivals

  • Tibetan New Year (藏历新年): This is the most important traditional festival for Tibetans, usually celebrated in the first month of the Tibetan calendar. Festivities include family reunions, visiting relatives, and performing the traditional Guozhuang Dance (锅庄舞).

  • Shoton Festival (雪顿节): Originally a festival where Buddhist monks ended their meditation retreat and were offered yogurt by devotees, it has evolved into a celebration featuring religious ceremonies, cultural performances, and sports competitions.

Ancient Architecture

The ancient architectural heritage of Gezha Township is mainly reflected in its temples and traditional Tibetan houses. Tibetan temples incorporate a mix of Tibetan and Han Chinese architectural styles, showcasing distinct and artistic designs. Traditional Tibetan houses are built primarily with stone and wood, featuring flat roofs and thick walls for insulation against the harsh climate.

Tourist Attractions

Natural Landscapes

Gezha Township features a varied landscape with high mountains in the north and lower elevations in the south. The average altitude is 3,200 meters, with the highest point reaching 5,090 meters and the lowest at 2,520 meters. The township is home to more than 30 rivers, including:

  • Gezha River (格咱河)

  • Gangqu River (岗曲河)

  • Langdu River (浪都河)

  • Wengshui River (翁水河)

There are also over 20 alpine lakes, such as:

  • Wodi Lake (沃迪错)

  • Genni Lake (跟尼错)

One of the most mysterious and beautiful natural attractions in the area is Wudi Lake (无底湖). The lake has crystal-clear waters surrounded by pristine forests. During spring and summer, rhododendrons bloom along the lakeshore, creating a breathtaking view.

Cultural Landmarks

  • Chitu Immortal Cave (尺土仙人洞): A culturally significant site in Gezha Township with historical and religious value.

Transportation

Public Transport

There is no direct public transportation to Gezha Township. Visitors must first travel to Shangri-La County and then take a chartered or shared vehicle to reach the destination.

Self-Driving

  • Route: From Shangri-La County, take the Xiangxiang Highway (香乡公路) to Gezha Township.

  • Distance: Approximately 59 kilometers.

  • Duration: About 1.5 hours.

  • Road Conditions: The route offers scenic views but may have sections with falling rocks or landslides. Checking road conditions in advance is advised.

Travel Tips

  • Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to travel to Gezha Township is between May and October when the weather is pleasant and the natural scenery is at its peak.

  • Altitude Precautions: Given the high altitude, travelers should take precautions against altitude sickness and bring necessary medications.

  • Weather Preparation: The climate is unpredictable, so it is advisable to carry rain gear and warm clothing.